What It's REALLY Like to Go to Training Camp for Models

"If you want to be a model, learn how to love yourself."

Modeling is one of the most talked-about yet misunderstood jobs in the fashion industry. In the '80s and '90s, the stereotype of the famous supermodel permeated our social imagination: they were disarmingly beautiful, unapologetically glamorous, and their success felt effortless. Now, with the advent of social media, we're finally starting to dismantle those long-held myths. As it turns out, the reality of life as a model is far less pretty. Alongside runway shows and photo shoots, models have to grapple with rejection, harsh criticism, and even discrimination.

In the latest edition of our Model Camp video series, three industry professionals — Iskra Lawrence, Kamie Crawford, and Katy Hansz — set out to teach 7 fresh faces what it really takes to be a model. Their tips go well beyond mastering the art of posing. "If you want to be a model, learn how to love yourself," Katy explains. Indeed, it takes self-love to be able to withstand the more cutthroat aspects of the modeling business, like hurtful criticism from casting agents, social media trolls, and fellow models. "I went out to a shoot, and they say 'oh, you should eat a hamburger," Gillian Chan says, explaining the pressure she felt to either be a size zero or a size 16. "I know a lot of girls who would die to be a model. But it seems unattainable because of the fact that you might not be a size zero. A lot of people don't know it's possible to still work, and not fit a certain mold," shares Kamie.

To break the mold, and succeed in a highly-competitive business, model campers practiced posing while also taping positive affirmations. They mused about everything from body-positivity and self-care, to diversity and the pitfalls of comparison. The biggest takeaway? "You can't limit yourself. Whatever you can dream of, you can achieve it and you can do it. Don't worry about obstacles. Just kick the door down."